Blood pressure test

When the heart pumps pressure is exerted on the walls of arteries which is called blood pressure. Regular blood pressure testing is considered as a part of screening tests, especially for individuals with high blood pressure or hypertension. 

The importance of blood pressure test

Screening for blood pressure is an important procedure in general healthcare before undergoing any medical examination. 

• Those who are 40 years old with family risk factor of hypertension or obesity are required to undergo blood pressure testing annually.
• Individuals with prolonged health conditions such as low or high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases are recommended to undergo testing frequently based on the advice provided by doctor.
• Depending on age and general health, a healthcare provider advises on frequency for testing blood pressure.
• A blood pressure test should be performed at least every two to five years on adults, especially those who have ideal blood pressure and no heart disease as a risk factors.

Recommendation of Regular testing 

The regular blood pressure testing is required for individuals with the below factors.

• Advanced age 
• Family history
• Alcohol addiction
• Obesity or being overweight. 
• Being physically inactive 
• Consumption of high-salt intake

Impact of irregular blood pressure testing 

According to the World Health Organization, globally, around 46% of adults are not aware of having hypertension. If the individual with risk factors fails to undergo regular blood pressure testing. There is a high possibility of triggering various complications. Here are some of them.

• Cardiac failure
• Stroke
• Kidney-related problems
• Eye diseases
• Metabolic impairments
• Cognitive impairment 
• Dementia.

Symptoms of hypertension

The initial symptoms of hypertension are not evident. In severe cases the individual may get the following symptoms 

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Severe headaches
• Breathing difficulty
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Vision blurring
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Anxiety and confusion

Blood pressure measurement

Blood pressure is most measured by a mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope for manual readings. Presently this traditional equipment is replaced by digital blood pressure monitor or aneroid BP devices for automated readings. It is recorded in two parameters:

Systolic blood pressure: It shows the exerted force by the blood on the arterial walls during contractions.

Diastolic blood pressure: It shows the amount of pressure the blood has against the arterial walls during resting or relaxation between contractions.

Procedure 

By sphygmomanometer

• When it is measured by sphygmomanometer the upper arm is stretched out and individual is asked to rest (sit or sleep depending on physician discretion). Around the arm the cuff is wrapped and inflated until the brachial artery is completely blocked. Gradually the cuff is then opened to release the air.
• Blood will start to flow through the arm again as soon as the air pressure in the cuff drops below the brachial artery's systolic blood pressure. When the arteries reopen again and the vessel walls collide after a heartbeat, this produces a pounding sound. Putting the stethoscope up against the elbow will allow you to hear the sound. You can check your systolic blood pressure with the pressure meter right when you first hear this Korotkoff sounds.

By Digital monitors

Digital blood pressure monitors can be used on the finger or upper arm, but they are mostly used on the wrist. The machine gets activated by simply pressing a button. Because of fluctuations in the volume of blood in the arteries, they can automatically read blood pressure. It is imperative to maintain hand levelness with the heart when taking wrist blood pressure readings. 

Ambulatory monitoring

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is prescribed to patients by healthcare providers to measure 24-hour blood pressure for treatment decisions. This will require you to wear a blood pressure cuff for a duration of 24 hours, which is linked to a portable, compact apparatus that measures blood pressure at designated intervals and documents the results.

This procedure is employed to determine significant fluctuations in blood pressure levels throughout the day and night and to determine if there is persistent hypertension. This monitoring allows individuals to maintain their regular daily activities over a 24-hour period. During this procedure, if an individual has performed any increased physical activity, it can be documented in a diary as a reference. This attempt helps healthcare providers to be more prepared to analyze and interpret the collected data effectively.

Interpretation of blood pressure reading

Normal blood pressure:

• Systolic under 140 mmHg
• Diastolic under 90 mmHg

High blood pressure

• Systolic over 140 mmHg and
• Diastolic over 90 mmHg

Which parameter of blood pressure is more important? 

Systolic blood pressure is considerably important as it is a major factor for individuals above 50 with a risk of heart disease. Also, as age advances, the systolic blood pressure (top parameter) may rise gradually due to plaque buildup, arterial stiffening, increased risk of heart and vascular issues, and lifestyle behaviors. However, in a clinical setting, either high systolic or diastolic pressure is considered high blood pressure (hypertension).

According to how high blood pressure is, the variability is categorized into staging. This enables tailored treatment accordingly.

Stage 1 hypertension: The systolic pressure is between 130- and 139-mm Hg and diastolic pressure is between 80- and 89-mm Hg.

Stage 2 hypertension: The systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg, or higher or diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher.

Individuals older than 65 it is observed that diastolic pressure is normal whereas the systolic pressure is higher. This condition is common among such age group which is known as isolated systolic hypertension.

Hypotension or low blood pressure

If blood pressure drops below normal limits, it is important to not ignore the situation. Hypotension, often known as low blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood pressure is below the normal ranges, namely less than 90/60 mmHg.

Types of low blood pressure

Postural or Orthostatic hypotension: If the blood pressure stays lower than three minutes after some physical movements (sit and stand up) this condition is called postural or orthostatic hypotension. The ranges of drop for systolic pressure for this condition is 20mmHg or more and diastolic pressure should be 10mmHg or more. 

Absolute hypotension: This condition is called when the resting blood pressure is below 90/60 mm Hg.

Conclusion:

Blood pressure testing is a critical part of health screening programs. One can control BP through regular monitoring along with lifestyle and food modifications. Elevated or low blood pressure requires immediate attention by health professionals. Hence it is important for individuals with risk factor to consider blood pressure testing as a priority.

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